JOHANNESBURG - One of the complainants in the case against Shadrack Sibiya says she fears for her safety, as well as that of her family and friends, if the former police top cop is released on bail.
The concerns of the 18-year-old woman who has accused Sibiya of rape were detailed in a statement read by state prosecutor Velile Makasana during Sibiya’s bail hearing.
In the statement, the complainant alleges that a friend told her she had been approached by the defence to make a statement contradicting her evidence, but refused.
The complainant said:
“My trust in the justice system would be betrayed as I would be exposed to the worst situation."
“This is the kind of interference that is currently at play with such a sensitive case,” she added.
She said the incident had taken a toll on her loved ones, whose lifestyles had changed to accommodate security measures.
“My friends and family know how I suffer as a result of the incident that I did not invite. I worry about their safety as much as I do with mine,” she said.
The complainant added that safety concerns had restricted her movements and activities, and that her fears had persisted since she initially struggled to report the alleged incident.
“The same fears that I had when I was initially scared to report the matter have since played out. My movements and activities are limited, and I wish this can come to an end,” she said.
Sibiya faces five charges, including rape, human trafficking and three counts of sexual grooming involving a 16-year-old girl.
According to the allegations, Sibiya allegedly gave an 18-year-old woman alcohol before she lost consciousness and was raped at a hotel in Sandton.
Sibiya has denied the rape allegation, maintaining that the encounter was consensual.
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